SHILLONG:
The Meghalaya government has condemned the unfortunate firing incident by the Assam Police that left six persons dead and many injured at Mukroh village in West Jaiñtia Hills District on November 22.
“The Meghalaya Government strongly condemns the incident where the Assam Police & Assam Forest Guards entered Meghalaya & resorted to unprovoked firing. GoM will take all steps to ensure that justice is served & action is taken against those responsible in this inhuman act,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma tweeted after the incident.
He said that out of the six persons, five were Meghalaya residents, and 1 is from the Assam Forest Guard.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased, the Chief Minister said that the persons have been identified as Sh. Thal Shadap, Sh. Nikhasi Dhar, Sh.Sik Talang, Sh.Tal Nartiang, Sh. Chirup Sumer and the Assam Forest Guard.
As a mark of respect and mourning for the deceased, the State Govt also decided to cancel all official festivals, including the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, the CM said.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui reached Mukroh, Laskein Block, East Jaintia Hills to inspect the situation on ground. Rymbui met police personnel and the family members of the deceased.
The Chief Minister also announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹5 Lakh to the next of kin the deceased individuals.
“The Cabinet will sit today to decide on the next course of action which the Government will take with regards to this incident,” the CM said.